Ontario International Airport Sees 45 Consecutive Months of Passenger Growth and Eyes Record Year

Ontario International Airport Continues to Thrive

Ontario International Airport (ONT), a key travel hub in Southern California, is celebrating its impressive achievement of 45 consecutive months of year-over-year passenger growth as it heads into 2025. In November 2024 alone, the airport saw a total of 600,909 travelers, marking a 4.3% increase compared to November 2023.

Passenger Increase Details

This growth can largely be attributed to the increasing domestic travel numbers. The airport reported that domestic passenger figures reached 568,556 in November, which represents a 6.2% rise compared to the previous year. However, international travel experienced a decline, with international flights dropping by 19.9% to 32,353 passengers. Despite this setback, the overall figure reflects a concerted effort by ONT to enhance its appeal to travelers.

Across the first 11 months of 2024, ONT welcomed approximately 6.4 million passengers, showcasing a significant 10.2% increase from the same period the previous year. Domestic travelers contributed over 6 million to this number, with international travelers exceeding 400,000. This marks an increase of 10.5% for domestic travel and 7.2% for international flights, despite the November decline.

A Focus on Traveler Experience

Atif Elkadi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), expressed gratitude for the continuous trust from travelers, emphasizing the airport's dedication to providing an excellent experience. Elkadi stated, "Our passengers choose Ontario International Airport because it's a place where convenience meets comfort. From easy access to spacious terminals, we have crafted a travel experience that prioritizes our passengers' needs."

The airport is on track to break its passenger record, with expectations of accommodating over 7 million travelers by the end of 2024. This growing trend of increasing airport patronage reflects ONT's commitment to improving services and meeting the rising demand for air travel in Southern California.

Significant Contributions of Carriers

The leading air carriers contributing to November’s passenger totals included Southwest Airlines, which held a 36.2% share, followed by Frontier Airlines at 15.6%, and American Airlines at 15.5%. Other significant players include Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines. This competitive airline presence at ONT enhances its attractiveness as a travel destination and reinforces its reputation in the region.

Cargo Operations on the Rise

Passenger growth isn’t the only positive trend at Ontario International Airport. Cargo operations also saw notable increases. In November, the airport reported a 4.8% rise in total air cargo volume, totaling 71,442 tons. Even as freight tonnage slightly decreased by 8%, the mail volume surged dramatically by 308%, a result of ORT becoming the U.S. Postal Service’s primary air cargo provider.

The year-to-date statistics for cargo also reflect a promising outlook, with ONT handling 710,423 tons of cargo - a 5.7% increase from 2023. This robust cargo performance highlights the airport’s dual role as both a passenger transit hub and a vital cargo carrier, increasingly meeting the logistical needs of the community.

The Future of Ontario International Airport

The future looks encouraging for Ontario International Airport. It stands as California's most popular mid-sized airport, as recognized in J.D. Power's North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Strategically located in the Inland Empire and approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, ONT offers a broad array of nonstop jet services to major airports across the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and Taiwan.

The airport's ongoing expansion of services and facilities aims to enhance the travel experience for millions of passengers. With an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, ONT looks forward to welcoming even more travelers as it heads into 2025, ensuring that it remains Southern California’s preferred airport for both leisure and business travel.